RED Funnel's Red Jet service currently has just one vessel in operation, with the remainder of its fleet out of action.

The service has been mired by a series of cancellations in recent weeks, and Isle of Wight residents and commuters have queried why just a single vessel is in operation.

The cross-Solent operator says the current disruption, which continues today (Friday) and into tomorrow, is due to further repairs needed on one of its vessels ­— Red Jet 7.

But Red Funnel's Red Jet 4 is also out of service ­— awaiting a survey and re-certification, which is not booked until next month.

The Red Jet 7 was pulled from service over a mechanical issue with its starboard inner jet unit.

Red Funnel said it needed to drydock the vessel in Hythe on Saturday, October 16, to allow for further investigation and repairs.

It meant an already reduced timetable was temporarily extended.

Read more: Red Funnel Red Jet cancellations for Friday and Saturday

But a question mark remained over the whereabouts and status of Red Jet 4, and why it was not in service.

The vessel is currently stationed in Southampton.

A Red Funnel spokesperson said: “Red Jet 4 is currently awaiting survey and re-certification following major engine repair works.

"The survey is booked for November 1. Regrettably, this date cannot be expedited.”

It means, of its fleet of three Red Jet Hi-Speed catamarans, just one is currently in operation.

Red Funnel says on Sunday, October 17, the service will be running as normal.